Can't agree with that mate... I'm all in favour of franchising at is suits our purposes at the moment but the prospect of staying in this division isn't one I relish for the simple reason that it will always be overlooked by the RFL as anything other than 'the other leagues'.
How the RFL can continue to subsidise the leagues so unfairly and expect the lower divisions to flourish is beyond me. The amount of money given to teams on TV is one example of this. It's evident that you will get lower attendance figures because some people will opt to stay at home or in the pub to watch it and that's fair enough, but the money handed out should go some way to recompensing for the lost revenue especially as it's the non-season ticket holders more likely to stay away.
I still enjoy my RL but I won't forget the feeling of getting knocked out of the last two play-off series and just not caring. If it doesn't go our way on March 31st I'll still go along and watch and pay for my season ticket every year but I would be worried for the future of the club as it is. I don't think Championship RL is quite the spectacle it could be which is a crime and even more so considering how relatively easy it could be with the support of the RFL.

I think it will definitely make for a stronger SL comp in time but it will make for a very weak Championship unless the clubs can entice money men to spend their pennies for the licensing dream.

All the rest of what you said about us doing what is necessary is absolutely spot on.

We have been very fortunate indeed. It seems unreal looking back at what could have happened if either of the other two parties had won their bid.

More tv money be nice but why leigh moaning.Since 2007 we have been 2 grand finals,2 nr cup wins,rail final and leigh?

But Chris when you look at how competitive this league is compared to 2006 you have to admit that it has improved. We also have weekly Sky exposure and a reputable rebranding of the competition. It should be treated as a worthwhile competition in it's own right and not just a platform for the super league pipe dream. Despite all the wrongdoings of the RFL you can't say the Championship has been neglected. Yes they can do more but it has definitely improved in recent years and become more entertaining in my opinion.

Just reserved 3 tickets for the bridge suite, mates picking them up at 3. www.facebook.com/stobartstadium The Sports Bar is sold out of tickets for the Super League Announcement Day Event NEW BRIDGE SUITE tickets are available and on sale from 3pm today at the Stadium Reception (note the suite will close at 2pm on 31st March due to further functions taking place) We have been able to change a function to accomodate fans who want to join us on Super League Franchise Announcement - Thursday 31st March 2011. Tickets for the Bridge Suite are available from 3pm today. Doors Open 10.30am, SPORTS BAR PRICES, LARGE SCREEN & TV - Tickets £3.00 The Bridge Suite will close at 2pm as we have a booking later in the day in the suite and cannot remain open after this time. If you were on a reserve list you have until the close of business tomorrow to collect your tickets or we will re-sell. Tickets in high demand so buy early to avoid further disapointment.

Just reserved 3 tickets for the bridge suite, mates picking them up at 3. www.facebook.com/stobartstadium The Sports Bar is sold out of tickets for the Super League Announcement Day Event NEW BRIDGE SUITE tickets are available and on sale from 3pm today at the Stadium Reception (note the suite will close at 2pm on 31st March due to further functions taking place) We have been able to change a function to accomodate fans who want to join us on Super League Franchise Announcement - Thursday 31st March 2011. Tickets for the Bridge Suite are available from 3pm today. Doors Open 10.30am, SPORTS BAR PRICES, LARGE SCREEN & TV - Tickets £3.00 The Bridge Suite will close at 2pm as we have a booking later in the day in the suite and cannot remain open after this time. If you were on a reserve list you have until the close of business tomorrow to collect your tickets or we will re-sell. Tickets in high demand so buy early to avoid further disapointment.

0151 510 6000

Well the reason I think franchising is unsustainable is obvious.

Ask any fan who has stopped going to games anymore and they will tell you that there is no point when every game is a friendly. Now wether you or I disagree it is what a lot think it is.

Crowds are down in all 3 divisions we have 3 unrelegatable clubs with very small away followings and that will never change. Some Championship clubs will never be given a franchise no matter how big their crowds or how good their facilities.

For myself I can't stop going to watch the team I support. Mind you I actually think the Championship is much more competative these days and I honestly think the games are better to watch than most of the Non Relegation League ones.

I dont think fans have stopped going because of franchising, most are just lazy and unless your winning every game or in the SL they just wont bother. The recession has also bitten hard.

So Frank you haven't really come up with a good reason.


The RFL dont put clubs into Administration either, thats all down to the clubs and the way they're managed. The problem i have is they dont appear to have the same rules for certain clubs. Widnes docked 9 points for admin yet Crusaders and Wakey 4 points?

They lack consistency and sometimes honesty which is the key, i think they're scared of the reaction sometimes.

The league is now more competitive because they have lowered the salary cap to a level that everyone can afford to spend up to mate. Does that make it a better competition? It's possibly more competitive? I wouldn't necessarily argue against but I do think that the quality has suffered a little as a result.
What we now have though is significant gulf between the clubs in our division and the ones in SL.

We do have SKY exposure but it hasn't brought anyone through the gates as attendances are down pretty much across the board and I think that the Co-operative is a decent enough brand but what money have we seen from either of these two initiatives. It's gone in the back pockets of the Red Hall crowd and to their profits. They trumpeted that they had put so much money back into the game in our two divisions in the last twelve months but no-one seems to have seen it?!?!

The sport is such that it is an exciting product but you still need the razzmatazz to bring in the new supporters.
Can clubs afford to spend their dollars on marketing when they are already at a stretch just fielding a side, keeping their grounds open? This surely is where the money is best served not lining the pockets of big name Australians.
No offence intended but my mate asked if he could bring his son to a game at the weekend and I told him who we were playing and he's decided to leave it. I had to work hard to convince him that an away game at Leigh would be a good game and laid it on thick about it being a local derby. He's still tempted to take his son to a Saints game instead.
I think the game is in a bit of trouble. I don't think it's necessarily headed for the armageddon that some predict but we are not far off games in the championship only being attended by hardcore supporters. If we miss out I think we will only be reaching 1,500 - 2,000 by the time 2014 comes round.

That is a very good post in my opinion Chris B.

Chris you are spot on, as people like to watch top grade league and players.I went into DW Sports today in Widnes and had tops from Wigan,Saints, and Warrington.Why no Widnes tops in the sports shop?I wanted to spit on them.

I hope so ian.Anyway be nice if we had a Widnes v Leigh final before we go to Superleague. Well one thing you can say is you beat us alot.

Tickets for the Bridge Suite have now gone, looks like the car park for the rest.

widnes bowling club is open give them a call for details on 0151 424 5219